[Young journalist Choi Jion] A natural, emotionally expressive audio model is planned to be revealed in the first quarter.

ChatGPT developer OpenAI is speeding up the reinforcement of voice AI capability ahead of the release of next-generation AI technology.

On January 1st (local time), the United States’ specialized media for information technology (IT), The Information, reported that OpenAI reorganized the engineering team, product team, and research team for audio model improvement exclusive to AI devices, citing internal sources.

It reported that OpenAI plans to release a new audio model with a more natural and emotional response in the first quarter of this year.

It is known that audio AI model work was directed by Kundan Kumar, recruited recently from Character AI.

It is the industry’s observation that OpenAI is preparing for a variety of forms of AI devices, such as glasses or smart speakers, that can have conversations without a screen.

Samuel H. Altman, the chief executive officer (CEO), also announced in The Wall Street Journal last month that “devices will play a decisive role in how people use AI,” adding, “the real competition will occur between OpenAI and Apple.”

OpenAI actually bought out the startup “io” of Jony Ive, who directed Apple product design, for hardware product development for 6.5 billion dollars, and ended the contract with Luxshare, a Chinese supplier and contract manufacturer of Apple products.

Also, CEO Sam Altman mentioned that it was a design he wanted to take a bite of when he checked Ive’s prototype last November.

Ive said “within two years” regarding the release period of the product.

Ive also shared the opinion that a device without a screen can reduce people’s likelihood of getting addicted to technology.

Ive, who directly designed the iPhone, stated, “Even if the intention was pure, if I was involved in something that led to negative outcomes, I should take responsibility,” and “that responsibility personally led many parts of the work I’ve done so far,” regarding the smartphone addiction phenomenon.

Meanwhile, OpenAI faced backlash after showcasing the voice AI model “Sky” last May of 2024.

This was because the voice of the model was similar to Scarlett Johansson, who acted as “Samantha” appearing in the movie Her, while it was revealed that OpenAI could not get her approval.

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